Tachi Sword |
Important Cultural Properties designated by the Japanese government Signed “Kunimune†By Kunimune of Hoki Province (present-day Tottori prefecture) Kamakura period, 13th century Owned by Ii Naoaki (1794-1850), 12th lord of the Hikone domain Gift of Ii Family |
The tachi is a type of sword usually worn with the cutting edge of the blade facing down. When worn like this, the signature of the swordsmith –”Kunimune” in this case – faces away from the wearer. This example is characterized by the relatively compact point section, by the curvature that starts from the bottom of the blade, and by the slightly rough surface texture.